Panasonic TC-PGT30 (photos)
Excellent all-around picture quality combined with improved features and styling makes the Panasonic TC-PGT30 TV an early favorite among plasma seekers.
Overview
The GT30 sits in the upper-middle end, a notch below the company's 2011 flagship in panel technology and, we assume, picture quality. It's not without its flaws, but it's still a superb TV overall that sets the bar high once again--although it's not a significantly better performer than its less-expensive (albeit plainer-styled) line-mate, the TC-PST30 series. The Panasonic TC-PGT30 series belongs on the short list for buyers who want the advantages of plasma in a thin form factor but don't want to pay the premium for a flagship TV.
Update May 5, 2011: The introduction and performance sections of this review have been modified to reflect additional testing and comparison in light of the Panasonic TC-PST30 series review. The score has not been modified, however.
Side view
The new panel measures 1.5 inches deep, but a speaker bulge along the bottom (you can't detach the speaker) brings the true depth to 2.2 inches. That's still slimmer than the ST30, with its 2.2-inch panel (2.8-inch with speaker), but doesn't compete with the 1.5-inch bulge-free depth of the 2011 Samsungs.
Corner detail
Stand detail
3D glasses (not included)
In the meantime the new 2011 glasses are still quite expensive at $179 list per pair. Improvements over the 2010 glasses, model TY-EW3D10, include an on-off switch to make it easier to determine whether they're powered-up, a closed design and significantly lighter weight. We wish they used Bluetooth synch like Samsung's 2011 glasses. On the other hand we appreciate their prior-year backward compatibility; you can use Panasonic's 2011 glasses with the 2010 TVs, and the 2010 glasses with the 2011 TVs.
Inputs
Breakout cables
Wi-Fi dongle included
Remote control
Viera Connect apps page
Vudu video and Hulu Plus are still missing, and we could nitpick about the absence of Rhapsody since Napster gets a spot, but otherwise the selection is solid.